Ophie wasn't sure what to make of these lands, with its twisted trees that near blotted out the sky. Even with the snow growing deeper with each passing day there were still plants about, if you knew where to look. She sniffed and snuffed around the bases of trees, trying to ignore the prying feeling of eyes that roamed her pudgy form. Perfect for this climate, to be honest. Like a land walrus. She had nothing to worry about though, not really, knew it was only Little Levi, who had taken to lurking out here. Watching, seemingly seeing all. She shuddered, and kept on going, making a point not to scan the canopy. Just in case their eyes met. Still, after the move there were lots of herbs to collect. Stores to be refilled and new plants to be noted...now if only she knew what did what, then maybe she'd be of use. "speech..."

The cooler temperatures of the north suited her well enough. Each day she was adapting more and more to the Armada's new territory but the one major disadvantage of moving north was that winter came swift and sharp. In the southern territories she could still find various herbs into the early parts of winter, but now? Gossamer trudged through the snow, brow furrowed. Well, there was always bark. Various trees and shrubs had a number of usefull barks she could nip bits and pieces of and the woods were full of trees.

Gossamer worked her way deeper into the forest when she spied Ophelia. It felt like forever since they'd had a day to just hang out. "Hey Ophie! Out exploring?"

"Oh Gos hey!" Ophie knew she wasn't supposed to have favourites, that she ought to love all her siblings equally, but Gos and Briar were definitely at the top of the list. Mortis following as a closed second. Her ears flicked as she nodded, a little self-conscious for one reason or another. "I wanted to see what sort of plants grew around here but...I don't think I'd know what they're for even if I found some." She pawed at the snow. Somehow despite all her lessons it didn't feel like she'd learned a lot, like the information just wouldn't stick. See this plant for example, she had no idea what it was, or what would happen if it was ingested. It grew well enough despite the cold climate, sort of looked like a nettle and had a weird...cold smell? "Is this something we could use? What's it for?"

Ophelia explained that she was investigating the plants that grew around their new home. Gossamer nodded emphatically. "Same, not that its easy with all this snow on the ground." She scooped some up with her paw and flicked it to the side. "Probably was better hunting in fall, but I figure I can at least see what trees with healing properties in their bark grow around here." Ophelia motioned to a plant at her feet and Gossamer stepped closer to get a better look, nostrils flaring to take in the scent.

"Oh, hey, good find. It's peppermint." She was surprised to see it but perhaps this snow fall was one of the first and the plant was still holding steady despite the arrival of winter, at least for now. "We can use the leaves and stems in tea. It can help soothe a sore throat and sometimes ease an upset stomach."

Ophie nodded along, as though that would make the learning process any easier. Guide the knowledge into her head and make it stay, whether it liked it or not. Peppermint. Yes, that name sounded familiar enough, as did the smell now that she was thinking about it hard. Bending down, she plucked some up and put it down by her paws, ready to be swept up when she decided to head back. It seemed like a lot of herbs could be used in teas, was there a reason for that? Might as well ask, Gos was the person for it. "Why do you use so many plants in teas?"

"Hmmm that's a good question." Gossamer thought about it for a moment. "Tea is an easy way for patients to get their nutrients. Liquid is easier to take than chewing up the plants. You can also extract the good stuff from the plants using alcohol or oils but water is more widely available. I suppose it also can help keep your patient hydrated as well." Especially when it came to illnesses like cold and flu. In that way peppermint tea could serve to ease symptoms and hydrate at the same time. Gossy settled down to let Ophelia gather what she needed. Gossamer had enough dried peppermint for the time being and she didn't want to over harvest. Knowing the mint was here would be good. While the winter would over take it eventually when spring came it would come to life again.